GE HealthCare Appoints New President and CEO for China
GE HealthCare, a leading global provider of healthcare solutions, has announced a significant leadership transition in its China operations. Yihao Zhang, who currently serves as the President and CEO of GE HealthCare China, will be retiring from his position, effective July 1, 2025. Succeeding him will be Will Song, a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience at Johnson & Johnson. Song will officially join GE HealthCare on April 1, 2025, ensuring a smooth transition period before assuming full leadership responsibility on July 1, 2025.
The planned retirement of Yihao Zhang has allowed GE HealthCare to take a strategic and structured approach in identifying a capable successor. The company has selected Will Song based on his exceptional leadership abilities, extensive industry experience, and deep understanding of the Chinese healthcare market. His expertise will be instrumental in furthering GE HealthCare’s local strategy and maintaining the company’s strong market position in China.
Yihao Zhang has played a critical role in GE HealthCare’s growth and development in China since he joined the company in 2019. His leadership has been pivotal in driving strategic initiatives, strengthening the company’s presence, and expanding operations within the Chinese market. Over the past five years, he has led efforts to redefine localization, innovation, and partnership strategies, creating a sustainable and forward-looking growth blueprint for the region.
Under Yihao’s guidance, GE HealthCare has doubled its investment in innovation, reinforcing its commitment to research and development in China. He has also expanded the company’s manufacturing footprint, establishing new sites in key locations such as Beijing, Wuxi, Tianjin, and Shanghai. Additionally, two new manufacturing facilities have been developed in Chengdu and Shenzhen, further enhancing the company’s production capabilities and ability to meet local demand.
Yihao’s leadership has been instrumental in transforming GE HealthCare’s approach to navigating the evolving and competitive Chinese healthcare market. The industry is heavily influenced by policy changes and local regulations, and Yihao’s strategic vision has helped the company adapt and thrive in this dynamic environment. His efforts in promoting localization strategies and industry-leading innovations have strengthened GE HealthCare’s position as a trusted healthcare solutions provider in China.
Reflecting on Yihao’s contributions, Peter Arduini, President and CEO of GE HealthCare, expressed gratitude for his dedication and impact. “Yihao has proven himself to be a humble, energetic, and people-focused leader who fully embraced our company’s culture, strategy, and purpose. His contributions have left an indelible mark on our colleagues and the industry as a whole,” said Arduini.
“I want to personally thank Yihao for his leadership and contributions through the years and for positioning GE HealthCare as a leading innovator in China. I wish him a healthy and happy retirement. Looking ahead, I am confident that Will’s stellar reputation and in-depth knowledge of the China market, along with his robust relationships with key stakeholders and deep understanding of our customer base, will help enhance our position in China and move the region forward to effectively deliver on the future of healthcare.”
Will Song joins GE HealthCare following a distinguished career at Johnson & Johnson, where he most recently served as Global Senior Vice President and China Chairman. In this role, he led the China Presidents’ Council, which played a crucial role in advancing Johnson & Johnson’s innovation strategy in China. His responsibilities spanned both the MedTech and Innovative Medicine businesses, demonstrating his broad expertise in the healthcare sector.
Having joined Johnson & Johnson in 2003, Will has held numerous leadership positions with increasing responsibilities, contributing significantly to the company’s growth and strategic direction in China. His deep knowledge of the local market and strong relationships with industry stakeholders make him an ideal leader to drive GE HealthCare’s next phase of growth in the region.
Beyond his corporate roles, Will Song has been an active figure in China’s healthcare industry and business community. Over the past decade, he has held key positions in several influential organizations, including serving as Vice Chairman of the China Association of Medical Devices Industry, Vice President of the China Association of Enterprises with Foreign Investment, and Vice Chairman of the Shanghai Enterprises Directors Association. His contributions to the healthcare sector and broader economic development have been widely recognized, earning him multiple honors for his leadership and impact.
Academically, Will brings a strong scientific and business background to his new role. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Peking University, an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from the University of Massachusetts. His unique combination of scientific expertise and business acumen will be invaluable in driving innovation and strategic growth for GE HealthCare in China.
As he prepares to step into his new role, Will will be based in Shanghai, China. To ensure a seamless transition, he and Yihao will collaborate closely over the next several months. This transition period is strategically important to GE HealthCare’s overall growth strategy in China, and the company is committed to facilitating a deliberate and effective handover.
China remains a crucial market for GE HealthCare, given its rapidly evolving healthcare landscape and increasing demand for advanced medical technologies. The company’s ongoing investments in innovation, manufacturing, and strategic partnerships reflect its commitment to long-term success in the region. With Will Song’s leadership, GE HealthCare aims to further strengthen its market presence and continue delivering high-quality healthcare solutions tailored to the needs of Chinese patients and medical professionals.
The appointment of Will Song marks an important milestone for GE HealthCare’s future in China. His proven track record of driving innovation, managing complex business environments, and fostering strong industry relationships positions him well to lead the company into its next phase of growth. As he takes the helm, GE HealthCare remains dedicated to its mission of improving healthcare outcomes and advancing medical innovation in China and beyond.
